Millions of households in Indonesia still rely on biomass fuels and traditional cookstoves, which contribute to deforestation, indoor air pollution, and carbon emissions. Adoption of clean cookstove technology remains low despite availability. A further look into this problem highlights the important role of daily habit, trust, and perceived benefit of using biomass fuels and traditional cookstoves that hindered people to switch to cleaner alternatives.
A Carbon Offset Opportunity Rooted in Behavior
The Cookstove and Carbon Offset project by SRN and Nexus for Development, supported by Tulodo, aims to address this behavioral gap. The project sought to understand how communities interact with clean cookstoves, how they perceive carbon offset initiatives, and what drives or hinders adoption. Through fieldwork in Bone and Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, Tulodo applied th eCOM-B framework to explore capability, opportunity, and motivation in both stove use and carbon offset engagement.
What the Research Found
The study revealed that while many users found the cookstoves efficient and easy to use, adoption was shaped by deeper behavioral dynamics. Most users, especially women, saw cookstoves as time-saving and producing less smoke. However, affordability and maintenance remained concerns. Many had not heard the term “carbon offset,” though they supported environmental protection in principle. Trust in institutions and program transparency also emerged as key factors. For example, only 48% of respondents were aware of the benefits beyond immediate household use, such as carbon credit contributions. Moreover, the majority of users received cookstoves through programs, indicating that cost remains a limiting factor for voluntary adoption.
Through the COM-B behavioral framework, Tulodo mapped the capability, opportunity, and motivation factors influencing both stove use and carbon offset engagement. This approach goes beyond technical training, uncovering the hidden social norms, trust dynamics, and value perceptions that often decide whether technology adoption sticks.
Behavioral Insights for Lasting Change
The project opened a path for more meaningful engagement by linking daily cooking routines to broader environmental narratives. Women, as the main users of household cookstoves, experienced the most direct benefits. Behavioral messages focusing on smoke reduction, time savings, and kitchen cleanliness were particularly effective. As a result of Tulodo’s behavior-focused engagement, 81% of women reported being “very satisfied” with their cookstoves and many began promoting their use to peers and neighbors. Word-of-mouth, community-based communication, and group demonstrations played a crucial role in reinforcing usage. Some women also participated in feedback sessions and maintenance discussions, contributing to stronger community ownership of the program. These outcomes show how behaviorally informed approaches can improve not only adoption, but also local leadership among women.
Partnering for Impactful Transitions
Tulodo’s expertise lies in translating behavioral science into practical, culturally rooted solutions. For governments, carbon credit developers, and environmental NGOs, this means not only achieving higher adoption rates, but ensuring those behaviors endure long after project timelines.